San Luis Obispo, CA: Coon Creek to Rattlesnake Flats Loop

From the parking lot off Pecho Valley Road, fork right onto the Coon Creek Trail to head south toward the creek of the same name. As Coon bends to the west, you’ll duck into a dense hallway of trees peppered with colorful wildflowers. Turn away from the Coon Creek and onto the Rattlesnake Flats Trail as the route turns north and uphill. After gaining the ridgeline, follow Rattlesnake Flats west through chaparral and scrub sage before taking a quick side trail to a bluff-top vantage point offering postcard-like panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. On the hike’s home stretch, you’ll meander downhill through scrub oak and Pacific Madrone adorned with Spanish moss before returning to the trailhead. For more information on Montana de Oro State Park, visit the park’s homepage.